‘Time to ensure you are on the electoral register’ – Rogers

South Down SDLP MLA Seán Rogers has urged people to complete electoral register forms by the September 27th deadline in time for next year’s European and Council elections.

Speaking to Newry Times, Rogers said, “I encourage people to participate in the Electoral Office canvass which is currently drawing to a close.

“This is an extremely useful exercise and will ensure the register is up to date in time for next year’s elections.

“In particular I would urge those people, who have moved home from abroad, recently got married or changed their surname to register and have a say on who they want to represent them. It is vitally important that the electorate exercise their democratic right to vote and ensure politicians are working for them.

The SDLP MLA continued, “A further advantage of being on the electoral register is that it can help assist your credit rating. Credit reference agencies use electoral roll information to confirm your identity, which is then passed onto lenders when you apply for credit, to prevent fraud.

“If anybody has any concerns that they may not be on the register or unsure about how to go about changing details, they can contact their local SDLP office or any of our representatives and we would be only too happy to help.

“Completed forms must be returned in time for the 27th September deadline and those who completed their forms will appear on the new electoral register to be published in December.

“I would also like to draw voters’ attention to the residency section of electoral forms and emphasise the importance of filling out this section (where applicable). Failure to complete this part may affect your registration.

Rogers added, “My office has received a number of queries from local constituents who are yet to receive their forms. If this applies to you, contact my office and we can issue you with the appropriate form.”